Caritas advocates make impact on benefits at annual event

Representatives of New
Zealand Catholic groups are among 40 benefit advocates that
have gathered in Auckland to support people living on
benefits at the Mangere Benefit Impact being held at the
Mangere office of Work and Income New Zealand from 5-7
August.

Now in its third year, the annual event is an
intervention in which beneficiary advocates come together
from different organisations to help as many people as
possible over a concentrated three day period at one Work &
Income office.

To ensure those in need get the best help
possible, all the advocates spent a day training and
preparing for the Impact at the Mangere Community Law Centre
on Monday 4 August.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is one of
the supporters of the event, which is organised by Auckland
Action Against Poverty, and two Caritas staff members are
working with other advocates to ensure people on benefits
are treated with respect and are made aware of what they are
entitled to.

Caritas Advocacy and Research Manager Lisa
Beech says the Benefit Impact is a good way to support
beneficiaries in a practical way, while increasing
understanding of what welfare policy changes mean for people
on benefits.

“We know from our parishes, schools and
social service organisations that some of New Zealand’s
poorest families sometimes find it difficult to access
essential items to meet their needs and to participate in
the community.

“Participating in the Benefit Impact is a
way to increase our understanding of the barriers faced by
people living on benefits, and to support a number of
families in a concrete, practical way,” Ms Beech
says.

Caritas was also a supporter and participant in the
2013 West Auckland Benefit Impact, which supported 257 cases
over three days.

Sisters of Mercy (Wiri), Wellington
Catholic Social Services and the Catholic Peace Movement Pax
Christi are among a number of Catholic groups participating
in the event this year.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is the
New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ agency for justice, peace
and development, and incorporates Mahitahi - Catholic
Overseas Volunteers. We are working for a world free of
poverty and injustice through community development,
advocacy, education, and emergency relief.Caritas
Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas
Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid,
development and social justice agencies active in over 200
countries and
territories.

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